The video games of the past have been an outlet to express oneself. The players can take control of their characters’ lives and take them on journeys that would not be possible using any other type of medium. From creating a brand new city, or beating the final boss, they’re able to complete everything. As such, they are an art form, and must be treated with respect. It is essential that game developers include in their games characters that are representative of a variety of individuals and their experiences. This includes people of all races, LGBTQIA disabled people, and others.

Games with character creation and romance

The gaming industry is making great advancements towards inclusion, with companies like Bethesda, Ubisoft, and many others taking creative and commercial risks to slowly introduce LGBT characters to their games. The characters such as Tracer Soldier:76, Tracer and more are now included in the well-known multiplayer shooter Overwatch. This has demonstrated that the risks have paid back. The addition of these characters has helped players feel that Overwatch is more relatable and has greater depth due to their inclusion.

Anime games with character creation and romance

It’s not just big budget games beginning to feature LGBTQ characters. Independent, smaller-scale developers are also pushing the boundaries with inclusion. Games such as Dream Daddy, a dad dating sim which came out in 2017 has been highly praised for its inclusion of male and female characters that don’t have to adhere to gender-specific boundaries. Fire Emblem has been praised for including characters of different backgrounds, including the large amount of LGBTQ characters.

Mobile games where you can customize your character

Mass Effect, released in 2007, was one of the biggest milestones in LGBTQ inclusion in video games. The game introduced a huge universe of various species, and the ability for players to develop relationships with characters regardless of their gender. The game was a major step forward in the field of gaming and set the benchmark for the future of games.

Recent games, including the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey game has featured LGBTQ characters who aren’t defined solely by their sexual orientation. The game’s Xenia character is a stunning pirate who is openly bisexual and shows no signs of repression or guilt. Her inclusion was welcomed change from the standard portrayals of LGBTQ in video games.

Similar to the way BioWare’s new game Dragon Age Inquisition allows players to fall in love with V who is non-binary or transgender. It’s an entirely optional option, but BioWare has decided to ensure that their games are inclusive.

These games show that LGBTQ inclusion is not just possible, but highly desirable. The inclusion of these characters help mainstream LGBTQ relationships, which helps to ensure that bigotry and hatred become an outdated notion. Ultimately, it’s up to the players to ensure that they choose games with LGBTQ characters that represent their identity and passions. We urge students and faculty members to try these games and to search for games that are more inclusive.